Special-Edition 2013 Rio 5-Door SX M/T Arrives In Limited Quantity

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Until now, driving enthusiasts couldn't get their hands on the Rio they were most eager to own--that's about to change.  The 2013 Rio 5-door SX is now offered with a 6-speed manual transmission (M/T). Arriving in dealerships in limited quantity with a MSRP of just $17,900[4], the Rio SX M/T is a fun-to-drive subcompact that satisfies enthusiasts' desires for a more engaging drive experience without sacrificing the comfort and convenience offered by the subcompact model's highest trim level. The Rio SX M/T is inspired by Kia's championship winning motorsports efforts and the recently-introduced Rio B-spec race car. Enthusiasts should get in line now as less than 500 Rio SX M/Ts will be initially offered for sale during the 2013 model year.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120910/LA70905)

The Rio 5-door SX M/T comes standard with a class-leading 138 horsepower[5] 4-cylinder double- overhead cam gasoline direct-injection (GDI) engine featuring dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and fuel economy of 30-mpg city/40-mpg highway[6]. The Rio 5-door SX M/T is available in Signal Red and Electronic Blue and comes with LED taillights, front LED accent lights, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Rio SX M/T adds a seven-inch navigation touch screen with a SiriusXM ™[7] Traffic system and push-button start with Smart Key. Other standard SX features include sport-tuned suspension, rear camera display[8], steering-wheel mounted audio controls, Bluetooth^®[9] wireless technology, and an AM/FM/CD/ MP3 SiriusXM™[7] Satellite audio system. The interior is handsomely appointed in sporty black knit cloth.

"The Kia Rio 5-door SX M/T is perfect for driving enthusiasts who simply won't compromise when it comes to certain features," said Orth Hedrick, Director of Product Planning at Kia Motors America (KMA). "Our customers and the automotive press have been asking for the Rio 5-door SX with a manual transmission, and we've listened. As the Kia brand becomes more and more relevant to enthusiasts, we'll continue to evaluate consumer demand and consider bringing other high-spec manuals to market."

Those looking for the inspiration behind the Rio 5-door SX M/T need look no further than the twisting, undulating macadam of America's greatest road racing circuits. In addition to its championship winning professional road racing program, Kia this year entered the new B-Spec grassroots racing series, and the Rio SX M/T offers buyers the sporty driving dynamics that transfer from the track to the street.

To advance from driving enthusiast to racer[10], customers can purchase a 2013 Rio 5-door M/T (LX Trim) and a B-Spec performance kit[11] available at a cost of $14,000 from Kia's racing partner, Kinetic Motorsports. The kit includes everything needed to transform the street-loving Rio 5-door into a proper racecar: pre-cut roll cage, racing seat, quick-release steering wheel, racing harness, race shocks, lightweight wheels, spec-series tires, oil sump pan expansion kit and complete build instructions.  For an additional fee, Kinetic will professionally assemble the Rio at their shop in Buford, Georgia.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth

Kia Motors is one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling.  Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand.  In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality[12] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[13].  Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan*.  Kia's value and technology-laden lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA. In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies[1] in the U.S. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

[1] Based on 5-year cumulative growth between 12-month retail sales for periods ending July 2007 and July 2012 of all U.S. automotive brands.

[2] Special-edition 2013 Rio 5-Door SX M/T will have limited availability while supplies last. Vehicles will not be available in all regions. See your local Kia retailer for details.

[3] Always drive safely and use caution when backing up.

[4] MSRP excludes $750 destination and handling fee, title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

[5] Class-leading horsepower claim for 1.6L GDI engine based on comparison of 2012 and available 2013 subcompacts as of July 2012.

[6] EPA fuel economy estimates for 2013 Rio equipped with Idle Stop and Go (ISG). Actual mileage will vary.

[7] Sirius services require subscriptions, sold separately after 3-month trial included with vehicle purchase/lease. Subscriptions governed by SiriusXM Customer Agreement at siriusxm.com© 2011 SiriusXM Radio Inc. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc.

[8] The rear camera display is not a substitute for proper and safe backing-up procedures. Always drive safely and use caution when backing up.

[9] The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Kia is under license. Other trademarks and tradenames are those of their respective owners. A compatible Bluetooth® wireless technology enabled cell phone is required to use Bluetooth® wireless technology.

[10] Always drive safely and obey all traffic laws.

[11] B-spec performance kit voids 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty and five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance.

[12] Source: Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study.

[13]_. Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis.

SOURCE Kia Motors America